Air Fryer Magic: Tortillas For Tacos

Yes, you can fry a flour tortilla in an air fryer to make a taco. In fact, air-fried tacos are a great option for those who want to avoid the mess of frying tortillas in oil. You can use either taco-size (8-inch) or burrito-size (10-inch) flour tortillas. To make the tortillas crispy, it is recommended to heat them in a skillet or on a gas stove first, until they are soft and pliable, and then place them in the air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes. You can also use corn tortillas in an air fryer to make taco shells, and fill them with your favourite toppings.

Warming tortillas before frying

Oven Method:

Preheat your oven to 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap a stack of 5-8 tortillas in aluminium foil and place them in the oven for 10-20 minutes, depending on the number of tortillas. You can do multiple packs at the same time if you have more tortillas.

Stove Method:

Using a stainless steel skillet, warm it over medium heat without any oil. Place each tortilla on the skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side. Alternatively, you can char the tortillas directly over a gas flame for a few seconds using tongs. This method works well for corn tortillas, giving them a drier heat.

Microwave Method:

Place 3-5 tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a slightly damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second intervals until they are warmed through. Repeat this process in batches if you have more tortillas. This method is quick and convenient but can sometimes make the tortillas gummy, so be careful not to overdo it.

Open Flame Method:

Turn on your gas stove and adjust the heat to medium-low. Using tongs, hold one end of the tortilla directly over the flame for 15-30 seconds on each side, until you see bubbles. This method is ideal for flour tortillas and gives them an authentic, traditional taste.

Once your tortillas are warmed, you can keep them warm by wrapping them in a damp tea towel or kitchen towels until you are ready to fry and serve them. Additionally, if you want to add some crispiness to your tortillas, you can melt a little butter or heat a small amount of cooking oil in the skillet before placing the tortillas.

Filling options for flour tortilla tacos

The great thing about tacos is that you can fill them with just about anything you like. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Meat and Poultry

Shredded chicken or beef, ground beef, or chicken breast are all great options for adding protein to your tacos. You can season the meat with taco seasoning or your choice of spices to give it a Mexican flavour.

Beans

Beans are a great vegetarian option and go well with cheese. You can use refried beans or black beans.

Cheese

Cheese is a must-have for many taco lovers. Choose a cheese that melts well, like cheddar or Monterey Jack.

Vegetables

Add some crunch and freshness to your tacos with vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, or salsa. You can also include sautéed or roasted vegetables like onions, peppers, or mushrooms.

Sauces and Dips

Guacamole, sour cream, or your favourite hot sauce can take your tacos to the next level.

Other Options

If you're feeling creative, you can try filling your tacos with things like fried fish or shrimp, pulled pork, or even fruit salsa. You can also experiment with different types of tortillas, like corn tortillas or whole wheat flour tortillas, to change up the flavour and texture of your tacos.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for frying flour tortillas in an air fryer vary depending on the type of tortilla and the desired outcome. Here is a detailed guide:

For flour tortilla bowls, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Soften a flour tortilla on a skillet or gas stove, and place it inside a souffle dish, ensuring the tortilla fits snugly. Air fry until the tortilla starts to turn golden brown, which usually takes around 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the tortilla bowl from the souffle dish and place it upside down in the basket. Air fry for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until it reaches your desired level of golden brown.

When making crispy flour tortilla tacos, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Warm your flour tortillas before filling them to prevent cracking. Brush the tortillas with oil and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach the desired crispness.

If you are making air fryer tortilla chips, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush both sides of the flour tortillas with oil and sprinkle with salt. Cut the tortillas into chip-sized triangles. Arrange the triangles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if needed. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes, keeping an eye on them near the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.

It is important to note that the timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your tortillas. Always monitor your tortillas during the cooking process to avoid overcooking or burning.

How to fold a tortilla into a taco shape

Before you start folding your tortilla into a taco shape, make sure to warm it up so that it's soft and pliable. You can do this by wrapping the tortilla in a damp paper towel or dish towel and microwaving it on full power for 30 to 45 seconds. Alternatively, you can hold the tortilla over a gas stovetop burner for a few seconds on each side, until it softens and starts to brown.

Once your tortilla is warmed up and flexible, it's time to start folding! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Spread your desired filling(s) onto the tortilla: This can include meat, cheese, beans, rice, vegetables, or anything else you'd like in your taco. Just be careful not to overfill the tortilla, as this can make it difficult to fold and increase the chances of your taco falling apart.
• Fold the tortilla in half: Bring the bottom edge of the tortilla up and over the fillings, covering them completely. If you're using a lot of filling, you may need to push the filling back into the folded edge as you roll.
• Secure the sides: With the tortilla still folded in half, take the left and right sides and fold them in towards the center. This will create an envelope shape and help to contain the fillings within the tortilla.
• Roll the tortilla: Starting from the bottom, continue rolling the tortilla up towards the top edge. You can use your thumbs to tightly roll the tortilla, making sure that each fold is tight and secure.
• Seal the taco (optional): If you're concerned about your taco falling apart, you can use a few toothpicks to hold it together. Alternatively, you can place the seam of the taco on a hot pan for a few seconds to seal the edges.

And that's it! You now have a perfectly folded taco. You can repeat these steps for as many tacos as you'd like to make. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Topping options

The fun part about making tacos is that you can get creative with your toppings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Vegetarians

If you are vegetarian, you can fill your tacos with beans and cheese. You can also add some sautéed peppers and onions, and choose a cheese that melts nicely, like cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack.

Non-vegetarians

For non-vegetarians, you can fill your tacos with shredded chicken, ground beef, or shredded beef. You can also add some refried beans, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. If you want to add some spice, try using taco seasoning or hot sauce.

Other options

Some other options for toppings include:

• Pico de Gallo
• Homemade guacamole
• Taco sauce
• Hot sauce
• Salsa (try Roasted Green Tomato Salsa!)
• Sour cream
• Creamy Green Sauce (with Jalapeno and Spring Onion)
• Cilantro
• Onions
• Guacamole
• Lettuce
• Avocado slices
• Limes
• Black or pinto beans

You can also get creative with your tortillas. While corn tortillas are traditional for tacos, you can also use flour tortillas. Just make sure to warm them up first so they don't crack when you fold them. And if you want to make your own crispy taco shells, you can fry corn tortillas in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions